Concussion in motor sports: an investigation of an education programme to enhance knowledge, perceptions and attitudes

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Turner, Tony

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Richards, Hugh

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Adams, Stephanie Alexandra

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2019-08-05T10:14:05Z

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2019-08-05T10:14:05Z

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2019-07-05

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http://hdl.handle.net/1842/35961

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This thesis investigated knowledge about, and attitudes towards, concussion within the
context of four-wheeled motorsport in the United Kingdom. Concussion in sport
remains a concern globally. There is evidence to suggest incidence of the injury is
high, and rising in motorsport. Despite facing similar challenges to other sports such
as rugby or American football, there is a lack of motorsport-specific research. Expert
opinion/consensus recommends the importance of increasing knowledge and
awareness of concussion, and the need for concussion education programmes that lead
to long-term improvements in knowledge as well as attitudes. Furthermore,
understanding the context and needs within motorsport are essential to progress in this
area.
This research used an exploratory mixed-methods design comprised of three studies.
First, a feasibility interview study (Study 1) was conducted with key stakeholders
(medical personnel, drivers), which sought to understand the context of concussion
within motorsport. This informed the need to assess knowledge and attitudes (Study
2) of both medical personnel and drivers, which was conducted using a quantitative
online survey. Together, these studies formed the bases for developing, implementing
and assessing the first evidence based motorsport-specific concussion education
programme (Study 3), delivered in the form of a series of workshops for young drivers.
Study 3 employed both quantitative and qualitative methods throughout the design.
Findings indicated that concussion is a concern within motorsport and that medical
personnel and drivers lack knowledge and awareness about key aspects of the injury.
Education and training were the top priority areas for both stakeholder groups. A
motorsport-specific education programme, which uniquely explored the potential role
of Need for Cognition (NfC), leads to improved knowledge and awareness of
concussion in drivers. Furthermore, whilst quantitative data provided limited support
of improvements in attitude, qualitative findings did provide examples of
improvements in attitude towards the injury. This research makes a substantial
contribution towards understanding concussion in motorsport from a psychological
and educational perspective. It also contributes to the improvement of concussion
education programmes across sport.

Adams, S.A., & Richards, H. (2017). Learn about concussion in sport: What is happening, where next & what is the role of the psychologist? Workshop session accepted to present at Division of Sport & Exercise Psychology Annual Conference, Glasgow, United Kingdom.